Kötelességük

Kötelességük is a Hungarian noun phrase meaning “their duty” or “their obligation.” It combines kötelesség (duty, obligation) with the possessive suffix -ük, which indicates that the obligation belongs to a third-person plural subject.

Etymology and form: kötelesség derives from köteles (obliged) plus the noun-forming suffix -ség. The phrase kötelességük is the plural possessive form used for a group, with related forms including kötelességem (my obligation) and kötelességünk (our obligation). The base noun kötelesség can stand alone to denote an obligation more generally.

Usage: It is used to indicate duties held by a group. In sentences, it often accompanies a verb phrase, for example: “Kötelességük segíteni a rászorulókon” meaning “It is their duty to help the needy,” or “Kötelességük megvédeni a környezetet,” meaning “It is their duty to protect the environment.” The construction can also function as a subject complement in broader statements about obligations.

Context and synonyms: Similar terms include kötelezettség and felelősség. Kötelezettség stresses a formal or contractual obligation, whereas felelősség emphasizes responsibility. Kötelesség, the base form, tends to carry normative or ethical overtones in everyday use.

See also: kötelesség; kötelezettség; felelősség.